Modular elongate wall-mounted sensor system and method

ABSTRACT

Sensor-mounting devices are disclosed. A sensor mounting device has a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a through hole that extends between the front and rear ends. The tubular body front end includes a flange with a perimeter that is larger than a perimeter of the tubular body. The flange may be positioned at a front face of a mounting structure. A sensor-attachment structure is located on at least one of the tubular body and the front flange. Further locking structure extends from the tubular body to couple the tubular body to the mounting structure. The locking structure is at least one item from the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/468,200, filed Mar. 7, 2017 and entitled “Modular ElongateWall-Mounted Sensor System and Method”, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to wall-mounted sensor devices andmethods for installing the wall-mounted sensor devices. Some of thewall-mounted sensors are modular and allow for modules or sensors to beadded to a main unit to increase functionality.

Sensors of all types are used in homes and commercial buildings, such assmoke detectors, motion detectors, cameras, humidity detectors,barometric pressure sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, magnetic fields,and temperature sensors. Conventional thermostats incorporatetemperature sensors and are configured for one-way communication withconnected components, such as components in the HVAC system to regulateflow of air. Typically, a single sensor connection only accomplishes asingle task (e.g., a temperature sensor for measuring temperature), andbecause of this, a plurality of sensors are often distributed throughoutthe house for the many different systems and metrics that can beobserved. The sensors are often unattractive and do not communicate witheach other.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere.

In one embodiment, a sensor-mounting device for use with a mountingstructure having a hole has a tubular body having a front end, a rearend, and a through hole extending between the front and rear ends. Thetubular body is sized to pass through the mounting structure hole. Thetubular body front end includes a front flange with a perimeter that islarger than a perimeter of the tubular body for positioning at a frontface of the mounting structure. Sensor-attachment structure is locatedon at least one of the tubular body and the front flange. Additionally,locking structure extends from the tubular body to couple the tubularbody to the mounting structure. The locking structure is at least oneitem from the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a sensor-mounting devicefor use with a mounting structure, includes positioning thesensor-mounting device within an aperture formed in the mountingstructure. The sensor-mounting device has a tubular body having a frontend, a rear end, and a through hole extending between the front and rearends. The tubular body is sized to pass through the mounting structurehole. The tubular body front end includes a front flange with aperimeter that is larger than a perimeter of the tubular body forpositioning at a front face of the mounting structure. Sensor-attachmentstructure is located on at least one of the tubular body and the frontflange. Additionally, locking structure extends from the tubular body tocouple the tubular body to the mounting structure. The locking structureis at least one item from the group consisting of: a rear flange, abarb, and threading.

In still another embodiment, a sensor-mounting device has a tubular bodyhaving a front end, a rear end, and a through hole extending between thefront and rear ends. A front flange at the tubular body front end has aperimeter that is larger than a perimeter of the tubular body.Sensor-attachment structure is located on at least one of the tubularbody and the front flange. Additionally, locking structure extends fromthe tubular body. The locking structure is at least one item from thegroup consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading.

In still yet another embodiment, a sensor-mounting device has a tubularbody having a first end, a second end, and a through hole extendingbetween the first and second ends. The first and second ends haverespective front flanges, each flange having a perimeter that is largerthan a perimeter of the tubular body. A sensor-attachment structure islocated on at least one of the tubular body and the front flange of eachof the respective first and second ends. Further, locking structureextends from the tubular body at each of the respective first and secondends, the locking structure being at least one item from the groupconsisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading. The tubular body isnon-linear such that the first and second ends are received intorespective apertures formed in a mounting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and may includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. A further understanding of the inventionmay thus be had by reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of a sensor-mounting device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a sensor-mounting device in asecond embodiment according the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG.4

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG. 4 in apre-installed or process of being installed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG. 4 in theinstalled configuration into a mounting structure.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a sensor-mounting device in athird embodiment according the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG.8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the sensor-mounting device of FIG. 8 installedinto a mounting structure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a modular sensor-mounting systemaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross section view of the modular sensor-mounting system ofFIG. 11 in use within a wall.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the modular sensor-mounting system of FIG. 11within a wall with portions cut away and portions shown in phantom.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a sensor head in a first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the sensor head of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a sensor head in a second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the sensor head of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a sensor head in a third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the sensor head of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a sensor head in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the sensor head of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a method of installing the modularsensor-mounting system of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a modular sensor-mounting system in a secondembodiment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a cross section view of the modular sensor-mounting system ofFIG. 23 in use within a wall.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the modular sensor-mounting system of FIG. 23in use within a wall.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a modular sensor-mounting system in a thirdembodiment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a cross section view of the modular sensor-mounting system ofFIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a modular sensor-mounting system in a fourthembodiment according to the present disclosure within a ground surface.

FIG. 29 is a cross section view of the modular sensor-mounting system ofFIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are embodiments of extended remote accesssensor-mounting systems and devices designed to provide and/or make useof optical power, optical bidirectional data, auditory information,electrical power, electrical bidirectional data, vibrational informationdata, radio frequency data, etc. Sensors located at or near a mountingsurface may communicate with hardware located in the mounting device,which may be remote to the sensor (e.g., located in a housing remotefrom the sensor). Alternately, access portals (e.g., air intake holes)located at or near a mounting surface may allow, for example, gasses toenter into and/or exit from the sensor-mounting device, the sensor beinghoused in a housing remote (e.g., behind the mounting surface) from theaccess portal. As will be further understood from the descriptionprovided herein, the extended remote access sensor-mounting deviceallows for increased flexibility to sense and provide controlledresponses in areas that might not otherwise have been thought to beideal for such purposes (e.g., around corners, behind walls, insidesealed or unsealed enclosures, etc.) The system allows for real-wordinterfacing in real-time based on human and/or environmental stimulus.Sensors can be permanently affixed in a desired location as well asattached to automated migrating remote accessories (e.g., telescopicpoles, windows, doors, motorized tracks, drones, et cetera). Thedistributed functionality of the sensors allow analysis and selectedactuation response of measurable information that can be derived throughmeans of discrete sensor components as well as information that could bederived through properties of the housing material itself (e.g.Graphene, moldable ceramics and crystals, conductive rubber, siliconsubstrates, et cetera).

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a sensor-mounting device 1 adapted to be mounted ona mounting structure or wall 2 (FIGS. 11-13). The sensor-mounting device1 may be made from one or more materials including but not limited tometal (e.g., aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, titanium, etcetera), plastic (e.g., bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl, nylon,silicone, epoxy, et cetera), rubber (synthetic or natural), or otherappropriate materials.

The sensor-mounting device 1 is illustrated as tubular shaped in alongitudinal direction A with a circular body 10. Nevertheless, the body10 may be other geometrical shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval,et cetera. The body 10 has a central bore 11 defining an inner surface17 in the longitudinal direction A.

The body 10 may have expansion grooves 12 in the longitudinal directionA on at least one side of the body 10, creating an upper portion 13 anda lower portion 15, which would allow for some compression of the upperand lower portions 13 and 15, respectively, of the body 10 duringinstallation onto the mounting structure 2.

At a rear end 14 of the body 10 is a rear flange 16. The rear flange 16may be substantially circular shaped with a larger diameter than thebody 10. It is foreseen that the rear flange 16 may be other geometricalshapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, et cetera. In the illustratedembodiment, the rear flange 16 tapers from the grooves 12 toward a frontend 22 of the body 10. In other embodiments, the rear end 14 and therear flange 16 may be generally parallel with the front end 22.

At the front end 22 of the body 10 is a front flange 24 having a backsurface 26 (FIG. 1) for positioning against a front surface 3 of thewall 2 (FIG. 11). The front flange 24 is illustrated to be circularlyshaped with a larger diameter than the rear flange 16, though it isforeseen that the front flange 24 may be other geometrical shapes, suchas square, rectangular, oval, et cetera. In some embodiments, the frontflange 24 is visible when installed; in other embodiments, the frontflange 24 is sufficiently thin such that once installed in a wall, it iseither taped and/or mudded over before being painted. The front flange24 may be only slightly larger than the body 10 or it may besubstantially greater in diameter (e.g., one inch in diameter or more)dependent upon the size of the hole in the mounting structure 2 in towhich the body 10 is inserted and the desired aesthetics. It shall beunderstood by those of skill in the art that sensors, including but notlimited to the sensors described herein, are becoming increasinglysmall. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that themounting device 1 may be manufactured having dimensions which correspondto the sensors, and therefore the diameter of the body 10 may be a smallas, for example, ¼″, with the respective flanges 24 and 16 havingdiameters that are slightly greater than the diameter of the body 10.

A length L (FIGS. 2 and 12) of the body 10 between the first and secondflanges 16 and 24, respectively, may be substantially equivalent to thewall thickness in which it is to be installed, such as ⅜ inch or ½ inch.Accordingly, it shall be understood that the sensor-mounting device 1may come in various sizes from small to large and the body 10 may comein varying lengths to accommodate different thickness of mountingstructures 2 (e.g., drywall, paneling, et cetera).

A radial stop surface 28 (FIG. 11) may be located along the central bore11, substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 17. The stopsurface 28 may be long enough to interact with and limit travel of apipe fitting 366 and a locking ring 364 (FIG. 12), as will be furtherdiscussed below. Adjacent the stop surface 28 is a radial projection 30.The projection 30 runs outward in the longitudinal direction A and has atop surface 31 and a bottom surface 33. The projection 30 has an endsurface 32 that may also act as a stop for the locking ring 364, as willbe further discussed below. The projection 30 may split the stop surface28 into two portions, an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 36, withthe lower portion 36 being directly adjacent the inner surface 17 of thecentral bore 11. It is foreseen that the upper and lower portions 34, 36may be substantially similar or dissimilar in length dependent upon thelocation of the projection 30.

Adjacent and running substantially perpendicular to the upper portion 34of the radial stop surface 28 is a radial second inner surface 38. Asecond radial projection 40 running substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction A may split the second inner surface 38 into anouter portion 42 and an inner portion 44. The inner and outer portions42, 44 may be substantially similar or dissimilar in length dependentupon the location of the projection 40. The projection 40 has a frontsurface 46, a back surface 48, and an end surface 50, each of which mayinteract with a radial groove or recess 65 of the locking pin or ring364, as will be further described below.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an alternative sensor-mounting device 101 adaptedto be mounted through a mounting structure 2′. The sensor-mountingdevice 101 is substantially similar to the sensor-mounting device 1 asdiscussed above, with the exception of the sensor-mounting body 110.Here, the sensor-mounting body 110 does not include the flange 16, butis instead is illustrated as having four wings (or “barbs”) 152 on afirst end 114. The wings 152 may open from between approximately zerodegrees to substantially 90 degrees relative to the outer surface 109 ofthe body 110. In other words, the wings 152 may be initiallysubstantially flat against an outer surface 109 of the body 110, asshown in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 7, once the body 110 isinstalled on the mounting structure 2′, the wings 152 may open up tobrace the sensor-mounting device 101 against a back surface 4′ of thewall 2′, thereby holding the device 101 securely against the mountingstructure 2′. Here, the wings 152 are shown as being opened at an angleof approximately 20 degrees. The body 110 may be longer than the lengthL of body 10 to allow for the wings 152 to catch against the backsurface 4′ of the mounting structure 2′. Further, the wings 152 may havea length less than the length of the body 110.

The wings 152 may be spring loaded or otherwise automatically biasedsuch that once the wings 152 pass through a hole in the mountingstructure 2′, they automatically open. The wings 152 may have outer edgesurfaces 153 which may optionally be angled toward an end surface 154,and respective top and bottom surfaces 156 and 158. The bottom surface158 may be longer than the top surface 156, and the end surface 154 mayslant from the bottom surface 158 to the top surface 156, therebycreating a point to better secure against the back surface 4′ of thewall 2′. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 158 may be the solesurface to interact with the back surface 4′ of the wall 2′.

The wings 152 are illustrated as being substantially similar to eachother. However, it is foreseen that the wings 152 may not all be thesame—for example, the top and bottom wings may be longer than the sidewings.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a sensor-mounting device 201 adapted to be mountedthrough a wall or mounting structure 2″. The sensor-mounting device 201is substantially similar to the sensor-mounting devices 1 and 101 asdiscussed above, with the exception of the outer surface 209 of thesensor-mounting body 210 being coarse threaded with threads 259. Thesensor-mounting device 201 is meant to be screwed into a mountingsurface 2″. In the illustrated embodiment, tool engaging grooves 260 arelocated on a second end surface 223 of the sensor-mounting device 201.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, a sensor-mounting system 300 isillustrated. The sensor-mounting devices 1, 101, and 201 are eachadapted to be mounted through a wall or mounting structure 2 having anaperture 5. For illustrative purposes only, reference is hereinaftermade to the use of the sensor-mounting device 1 though it shall beunderstood by those of skill in the art that sensor mounting device 101and/or 201 may additionally or alternately be used. The mountingstructure 2 may be sheetrock (drywall), paneling, an automobile door,aircraft/boat inner walling, speaker housing, doorway, window frame, etcetera. The sensor-mounting system 300 may either be installed on apre-existing wall 2 as shown in FIG. 13, or may be set up at the framingstage of a structure with the sensor-mounting system 300 being in wiredcommunication with a box (e.g., an electrical box).

In FIG. 11, the sensor-mounting system 300 includes the sensor mount 1,a sensor head 362, a locking ring 364, the sensor-mounting device 1, asensor 400, and a pipe coupling, fitting, or connector 366.

The locking ring 364 is a circular ring with a front surface 374, a backsurface 376, and a central bore 370 oriented in the longitudinaldirection A. The central bore 370 defines an inner surface 372. A radialprojection 380 having a top surface 382, a bottom surface 384, and anend 386 may extend outward from the back surface 376. The bottom surface384 may mate with the inner surface 372 of the locking ring bore 370. Atend 386 may be a radial lip 388, with the lip 388 extending generallyperpendicular to the projection 380.

The end surface 50 and the back surface 48 of the projection 40, theinner portion 44 of the second inner surface 38, the upper portion 34 ofthe stop surface 28, and the top surface 31 and the end surface 32 ofthe projection 30 in combination create a recess 65 in which the lip 388of the locking ring 364 may be seated. A top portion of the back surface376, the top surface 382 of the projection 380, and an inner surface 389of the radial lip 388 all combine to make up a recess 387 in which theprojection 40 may be seated. The inner surface 389 of the lip 388 hooksand interlocks with the back surface 48 of the projection 40. With thelocking ring 364 in place, the pipe fitting 366 and sensor head 362 maybe captured into position. The locking ring 364 limits or restrictsmotion of the sensor head 362 and the pipe fitting 366 in thelongitudinal direction A.

The locking ring 364 may be made from or more materials including butnot limited to metal (e.g., aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel,titanium, et cetera), plastic (e.g., bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl,nylon, silicone, epoxy, et cetera), rubber (synthetic or natural), orother appropriate materials. It may be advantageous to make the lockingring 364 out of an elastic material, as elasticity may make theinstallation and removal into the sensor-mounting device 1, 101, and/or201 easier.

The pipe fitting 366 includes a coupling 392, such as a liquid-tightcoupling on a first end 393 and a cap 394 on a second end 395 to sealoff the second end 395. The pipe fitting 366 further has a central bore397 therethrough. In another embodiment, the second end 395 may includea coupling means 394′, such as compression, soldering, pressure, orcrimp fitting, in lieu of an end cap 394 in order to optionally extendthe pipe fitting 366 via additional pipe or conduit 366′ (FIG. 11),allowing for further components of the sensor 400 to be installedwithin.

The pipe fitting 366 is a housing that may accommodate sensorelectronics and protects the electronic components from environmentalinfluences. In one embodiment, the pipe fitting 366 is a bent pipe. Thepipe fitting 366 may be sized and shaped so as to fit within the centralbore 11 of the sensor-mounting device 1. The coupling 392 has a radialcircular plate 396 on a first end 398 and a threaded portion 390extending outwardly from the circular plate 396 to form the second end395. The coupling 392 has a central bore 391, which may be smaller thanthe central bore 397 of the pipe fitting 366, and configured to passthrough both the plate 396 and the threaded portion 390. The coupling392 is restricted by the stop surface 28 when the circular plate 396engages the stop surface 28.

The pipe fitting 366 may be rigid or flexible conduit, as is well knownin the art. Appropriate materials for the pipe fitting 366 may includemetals (e.g., copper and steel), plastics (e.g., PVC, polycarbonate,acrylic), flexible materials, etc. The pipe 366 may further includeoptical transmitters such as a light pipe or fiber optic materials, asis discussed in greater detail below. It is also foreseen that theinterior may be layered with an electrical protective coating or layerof plastic.

A sensor 400 for mounting into the sensor-mounting device 1 includes amicrocontroller 410, a transceiver 412, memory 414, a power source 416,and one or more sensor nodes 418. Different sensors 400 and/or 400′(hereinafter collectively referred to as sensor 400) may be able toconnect with the sensor-mounting device 1 in order to provide theability to sense various desirable inputs and provide respectivecontrolled responses as discussed below. Such connections betweensensors 400, 400′ may be modular.

Referring to FIG. 11, the sensor 400 is illustrated within a circularhousing 402, though such housing and/or housing configuration is notrequired. At least part of the sensor housing 402 and related componentsmay be situated within the pipe fitting central bore 397. The sensor 400may be any type of sensor, such as a motion (e.g., passive infrared),temperature, humidity, vibration, magnetometer, gas (e.g., radon, carbonmonoxide), barometric pressure, liquid, soil, mold, bacteria, biofilm,blood, sweat, smoke, optical or camera, light, sound (e.g., microphone)sensor, or a combination thereof.

The microcontroller 410 performs the tasks of processing the datareceived and controlled over the different components described below.The transceiver 412 may include a transmitter (or “antenna”) 420. Theantenna 420 may be situated outside the pipe fitting 366, as the pipefitting 366 may act as a shield to RF communications. For example, theantenna 420 may be a part of circuitry located in the sensor head 362.The transceiver 412 communicates directly and/or over a wirelesscommunication infrastructure with other devices configured to receivesuch wireless communication to provide controlled response(s) to inputsfrom the sensor 400 (e.g. display, speaker, harvested energy storage, etcetera). In direct wireless communications, the transceiver 412 mayinclude baseband processing circuitry to convert data into a wirelesssignal (e.g., radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), ultrasound, nearfield communication (NFC), et cetera) and the transmitter 412 transmitsthe wireless signal. When a second wireless transceiver 421 (FIG. 13) iswithin range (i.e., is close enough to the first wireless transceiver412 to receive the wireless signal at a sufficient power level), itreceives the wireless signal and converts the signal into meaningfulinformation (e.g., voice, data, video, audio, text, instructions forcompleting a task, et cetera) via baseband processing circuitry (e.g.,through an application on a phone, computer, notepad, etc. or through acentral display located within the home). Examples of direct wirelesscommunication (or point-to-point communication) include Bluetooth,ZigBee, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), et cetera.

For indirect wireless communication or communication via a wirelesscommunication infrastructure, the first wireless transceiver 412transmits a wireless signal to a base station or access point, whichconveys the signal to a wide area network (WAN) and/or to a local areanetwork (LAN). The signal may traverse the WAN and/or LAN to a secondbase station or access point to send signal to the second wirelesstransceiver 421 or it may traverse the WAN and/or LAN directly to thesecond wireless transceiver. Examples of wireless communication via aninfrastructure include cellular satellite/tower, IEEE 802.11, publicsafety systems, et cetera.

The second wireless transceiver 421 may wirelessly communicate back tothe first wireless transceiver 412 in a similar manner.

The first and/or second transceiver 412 and 421, respectively, maycommunicate, with controlled response systems within a home, such as awindow that automatically shades at a certain temperature, or blindsthat automatically open or close at a certain time or temperature, or asa response to another trigger from the sensor 400. In another example,the sensor 400 may be connected to the HVAC system of the home and ableto control the HVAC system based upon the temperature measurements ofthe sensor node 418. Additionally, or alternately, the sensor 400 maycommunicate with the home alarm system if, for example, motion oranother trigger is detected. Further exemplary controlled responsesystems are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/409,609 and 62/441,127, which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties herein. Those of skill in the art shall understand that thesensor 400 may be actively transmitting the signal (e.g., in real timeor at predetermined intervals) or passively awaiting instructions totransmit.

The memory 414 contains the relevant computer or program instructionsfor the microcontroller 410, and may further include data obtained bythe sensor node 418. The data may be transmitted by the transceiver 412as described above. The memory 414 may be situated in the same circuitboard as the microcontroller 410 and power source 416.

The sensor node 418 may be small in size and is the component that ismeasuring the particular activity being monitored (e.g., smoke, sound,vibration, temperature, light, pressure, et cetera). The sensor node 418is shown in the sensor head 362 poking through an aperture 422 (FIG.13). The sensor node 418 may optionally be a part of circuitry (e.g.,the transceiver 412) housed in the sensor head 362. As noted above, eachsensor 400 may include one or more sensor nodes 418. Each sensor node418 may be configured to sense at least a single input and/or act as anoutput (e.g., LED, speaker, laser, radio frequency transceiver, etc.).For example, a first sensor node 418 within a sensor 400 may beconfigured to measure the temperature in the room; a second sensor node418 may be a light sensor for determining when the sun is out; a thirdsensor node 418 may be a smoke detector, which may be further configuredas a speaker for alerting nearby persons when smoke is detected.Additional sensor nodes 418 may further, or alternately, be incorporatedinto the sensor 400 as is desirable.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the sensor 400 may be anysensors that is currently on the market or may be later-developed. Itshall further be appreciated that the sensor 400 (e.g., via sensor nodes418) may be configured as an input and/or output device(s) (e.g.,actuator, speaker, light/LED/laser, etc.) configured for SupervisoryControl and Data Acquisition applications including distributed nodeapplications such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The sensors 400 mayreceive and provide information as part of a comprehensive distributedsystem throughout a location (or multiple locations, as the case maybe). Sensors 400 may further sense harmful wave frequencies and providecontrolled responses in the form of clean, healthy waves to counteractthe harmful waveforms.

One or more sensors 400 (e.g., via sensor nodes 418) may be configuredas a user interface as part of the distributed system. For example, thesensor(s) 400 may be in communication with various “smart systems” in alocation in order to receive input (e.g., from the user) in order toeffectuate a controlled response. As noted herein, the sensors 400 maybe equipped nodes 418 which may include, among other things,microphones, cameras, lights, etc. In the example, the sensor 400 mayhave a microphone and may be configured (e.g., through programming) torecognize certain commands from a user. When a user says “set thethermostat to 72°” the sensor 400 may communicate that message to thethermostat and set the temperature accordingly. Or, a sensor 400 maydetect the presence of a person in a room which causes the lights toturn on. The sensors 400 may be located at predetermined intervals(e.g., every 3′ on center) to monitor the environment. As a user movesfrom room to room, the sensors 400 may cause the lights in each room toturn on and/or off as the case may be. Each sensor 400 distributedthroughout a location may be equipped with such abilities, or thesensors 400 may be strategically placed based on their specificabilities.

The signals from various media (e.g., light, electrical waveforms,gases, fluids, radiation, etc.) may be distributed through the housing366 (e.g., through the tube, a conduct, a light pipe, etc.) to thevarious systems (e.g., hardware) stored therein using time domain and/orfrequency domain multiplexing. Examples of simple, low-cost networkdistribution methods include but are not limited to: serial data, CANbus, LIN bus, Modbus, Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Ethernet, andinfrared data association protocol suite. In other words, a singlesignal may be transmitted using a simple wire, tube, or light pipe topower and bi-directionally communicate with the subsystems in thehousing 366.

Regardless of the capabilities of the sensor 400 (e.g., the number ofsensor nodes 418), the sensor 400 may be configured to engage with thesensor-mounting device 1 for securing the sensor 400 to the mountingsurface 2. In this way, the sensors 400 may be exchangeable in order toprovide greater (or less) functionality in the location where the sensor400 is placed. For example, in an existing structure, certainfunctionalities may not be achievable due to current limitations of thestructure. Consider for purposes of illustration that a sensor-mountingdevice 1 and corresponding sensor 400 is incorporated into a wall 2 ofan existing home. At the time the device 1 and sensor 400 are installed,the HVAC system is not configured for wireless communication with thesensor 400. Accordingly, the home owner does not require a sensor 400that measures humidity in order to communicate such information to theHVAC system such that the system takes the appropriate action inresponse to the information. However, at a later date, the home ownermay replace the HVAC system that is configured for wirelesscommunication with the sensor 400. The home owner may thus remove thefirst sensor 400 (having a number of sensor nodes 418 but not a nodethat measures humidity), and replace it with a second sensor 400 (havinga number of sensor nodes 418, one of the sensor nodes 418 beingconfigured to measure humidity). The second sensor 400 may fit into thesensor-mounting device 1 in the same manner as the first sensor 400. Thesensor node 418 configured to measure humidity may retrieve humidityinformation from the atmosphere, which may be transmitted (e.g.,wirelessly) to the HVAC system, which may turn off/on certain featuresto increase/decrease the humidity in the home. Accordingly, it isunderstood that further components that make up the sensor 400 may beadded to provide additional sensing feature (e.g., temperature, motion,smoke, et cetera).

Wires and other component pieces associated with the various sensors 400(e.g., wired connections to a power supply, batteries for power storage,capacitive energy storage, etc.) may be housed within the central bore397 of the housing 366. Therefore, unsightly cords, wires, etc. may beout of view, leaving only the sensor head 62 in view. In one embodiment,wires associated with a particular sensor 400 may be connected to thecomponents pieces away from the sensor-mounting device 1. When thesensor 400 is installed, the wires and/or component pieces may be fedthrough the central bore 391 of the coupling 392 and into the centralbore 397 of the housing 366. If a first sensor 400 is removed from thesensor-mount 1 (e.g., to replace it with another sensor), the wiresand/or component pieces may be pulled back through the respectivecentral bores 397 and 391, and the sensor 400 unhooked from thecomponent pieces. The second sensor 400 may then be hooked to thecomponent pieces, the wires and/or component pieces fed back through therespective central bores 391 and 397, and the sensor 400 secured intoposition with the sensor-mount 1 as described herein.

In one embodiment, certain electronics may be incorporated directly intothe sensor head 362 thus allowing for increased versatility of thesensor 400. Here, the sensor head 362 may be equipped with electricalleads, such as metal or other conductive material pads. The electricalleads on the sensor head 362 may correspond to electrical leads on thecoupling 392. The electrical leads on the coupling 392 may be wireconnected to the battery 416 and other electrical components of thesensor 400 (e.g., microcontroller 410 and memory 414), which may behoused in the central bore 397 as discussed above. When the electricalleads on the sensor head 362 come into contact with the electrical leadson the coupling 392, the circuit may be completed. The sensor nodes 418may be able to send information to the microcontroller 410 and memory414, and the sensor 400 may receive power from the battery 416.

In this embodiment, the electrical components housed in the central bore397 may be comprehensive. In other words, the circuitry required toutilize many different types of sensors 400 (and/or sensor nodes 418)may be readily available if the chosen sensor 400 has nodes 418 to takeadvantage of such functionality. Where the sensor 400 does not have anode 418 for certain functionality, that portion of the circuitry maysimply stay dormant. For example, circuitry for a sensor 400 havingnodes 418 to measure and/or detect light, temperature, humidity, andmovement may be provided in the central bore 397. The circuitry may beconnected, using methods known of skill in the art, to the electricalleads on the coupling 392. A sensor 400, however, may only have nodes418 configured to measure light, temperature, and humidity. Therefore,the circuitry related to the detection of movement may simply remainavailable yet inactive. If a sensor 400 is later provided that has anode 418 for detecting movement, the circuitry related to such detectionof movement may be utilized.

It shall be recognized that electrical leads may additionally (oralternately) be located in the sensor mounting device 1 and/or thelocking ring 364. The electrical leads in each device may be configuredto engage with electrical leads on the other respective device(s) inorder to complete the circuit between the sensor nodes 418 and therequired electrical circuitry stored in the central bore 397. Theelectrical leads may also be on the sensor 400 itself and the sensorhead 362, such that the circuit is completed when the sensor head 362 issecured to the pipe fitting 366.

Embodiments of the sensor head 362 may have a variety of configurations.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-15, the sensor head 362 is the face orcover of a sensor 400. The sensor head 362 connects or mates with thecoupling 392 of the pipe fitting first end 393 to effectively seal thesensor within the pipe fitting 366. The sensor head 362 includes a firstend 401 having a cap 403 and a second end 405 having a coupling means363 (FIG. 12). In the illustrated embodiment, a male threaded portion390 at first end 393 of the pipe fitting 366 is secured to the couplingmeans 363 at the second end 405 of the sensor head 362. In anotherembodiment, the sensor head 362 may have a “snap on” configuration,wherein the sensor head 362 is equipped with means for snapping intoposition with the mounting device 1, such as a bayonet mount which iswell known in the art. The sensor head 362 may have release buttons forreleasing the sensor head 362 from the “snapped” position with themounting device 1. In still a further embodiment, the sensor head 362may be configured for a quarter-turn or half-turn snap fit with themounting device 1. Such methods of mounting are known in the art. In yetanother embodiment, the sensor head 362 may be threaded, the threads onthe sensor head 362 corresponding to threads in the mounting device 1.The sensor head 362 may thus be simply screwed into position with themounting device 1. In still a further embodiment, the sensor head 362may be magnetically coupled to the mounting device 1. The sensor head362 and mounting device 1 may be equipped with corresponding magnets(e.g., rare earth magnets) which may be positioned and polarized inpatters that allow for perfect positioning of the sensor head 362 withinthe mounting device 1. The force exerted in pulling the sensor head 362away from the mounting device 1 must overcome the magnetic forces toremove the sensor head 362 from the mounting device 1. The sensor head362 may optionally or alternately include other coupling means, such asmale/female, elastic fit, cam, or other fastening means, whether nowknown or later developed.

The sensor head 362, and especially the cap 403, may form an ornatecomponent of the sensor-mounting system 300. The cap 403 may be anygeometrical shape (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, irregular,3-dimensional (e.g., conical) et cetera) or any other desirableconfiguration. It may be designed to rest substantially flush with themounting surface 2, or it may be raised. The cap 403 may be transparent,opaque, cosmetically designed (e.g., in color and in shape), and/orvirtually invisible such that it blends with its surroundings. In thisway, the sensor 400 may be specifically designed to be seen or not seen,depending on the preferences of the user.

Further, the sensor head 362, optionally together with other portions ofthe system 300 (e.g., the locking ring 364 and/or the flange 24) may actas a component of other aesthetic pieces such as artistic renderings,pictures, or non-static displays, such as OLED, LED, LCD, et cetera. Thecap 403 may cover the first end 393 of the pipe fitting 366 or may be aslarge to cover the front flange 24 of the sensor-mounting device 1 orany size thereof (FIG. 20). As noted herein, the sensor head 362 mayhave a Fresnel lens configuration. Also, as noted, the Fresnel lens maybe utilized to capture more light or UV energy for charging a solarbattery power source 416 and/or may be used for an infrared motionsensor.

The sensor head 362 may include at least one small pin hole 480 suchthat a small item (e.g., a paper clip) may be used to rotate the sensorhead 362 into position. In some embodiments, the sensor head 362 mayonly require a quarter turn to be fully locked into place. Alternately,at least one of the first and second ends 401 and 405 may furtherinclude a nut configuration, so as to torque the sensor head 362 ontothe pipe fitting 366.

Additional embodiments of a sensor head are illustrated in FIGS. 16-21.Referring to FIGS. 16-17, a sensor head 562 has a square face 601 withone or more sensor apertures 622 into which a sensor node 618 may besituated. Referring now to FIGS. 18-19, a sensor head 762 has a splitface 801 with an upper portion 830 having one or more sensor apertures822 and a bottom portion 832 being a Fresnel lens. Referring to FIGS.20-21, a sensor head 962 has a central Fresnel lens portion 1003, withsensor apertures 1022.

The sensor 400 may further include indicators that may also be situatedwithin the sensor head, such as a light source (e.g., LED,electroluminescent lamp, LCD, oLED) or an audible alarm that istriggered once a particular activity is sensed (e.g., smoke, gas,magnetic, motion). Such indicators may be part of circuitry housed inthe sensor head 362 and/or the housing 366. As noted above, the matingof the sensor head 362 with the coupling end 393 of the pipe fitting 366may complete a circuit and power specific electronics housed in thesensor head 362 (e.g., transceiver 412, sensor node 418, light source,et cetera).

An important aspect in the development of a wireless sensor 400 isensuring that there is adequate energy available to power the system.The sensor 400 consumes power for sensing, communicating, and dataprocessing. More energy is required for data communication than anyother process. In one embodiment, as noted above, the sensor mountingdevice 1 is installed during construction of the building (which mayinclude construction that may occur after initial construction of thebuilding is completed). Here, the sensor mounting device 1 may be hardwired to an electrical box, which may provide the sensor mounting device1, and the sensor 400 (together the system 300), with the requiredenergy for operation. Here, because the electrical box is available toprovide power to the system 300, energy storage and/or energy conversioncapabilities may not be required.

However, it may be beneficial for the system 300 to include means forstoring power, both in situations in which the system 300 is hard wiredto an electrical box, and where the system 300 receives its power froman outside source. Here, the power source 416 may be capacitors or abattery, such as NiCd (nickel-cadmium), NiZn (nickel-zinc), NIMH(nickel-metal hydride), or lithium-ion. The battery 416 may beconfigured to receive electrical energy from the electrical box duringhours when rates may be lower due to lower demand, and then use theenergy during the day, when rates may otherwise be higher. Alternately,or additionally, the battery 416 may store energy from other sourceswhich may then be converted into electrical energy for use by the sensor400.

For example, the sensor 400 may be able to capture solar energy througha photo-voltaic cell, which may be stored in the battery 416 accordingto methods known to those of skill in the art. The sensor 400 mayfurther be equipped with light pipes, which may be partially situatedwithin the pipe fitting 366, with at least a portion (e.g., a lens)having exposure to ambient or artificial light. Light pipes are wellknown in the industry, and are specifically known for transportingand/or distributing light. Any light pipe currently available orhereinafter made available may be utilized within the scope of theinvention. Further, it shall be understood that the housing 366 mayitself be a light pipe. Additionally, the light pipe functionalityand/or other functional elements contained within the housing can bedistributed or extended physically to connect to other housings orsensory/control devices throughout the system. Extension techniques fordistributed sensing, power, and control could be realized by the use offiber optic cables, wire cables, radio frequencies, sound, or visiblelight, for example.

The light pipe(s) may include a dome for collecting and reflecting asmuch light as possible into the tube. To optimize solar light, aheliostat may be installed so as to direct sunlight into the tube at alltime. Further, the heliostat may allow the light pipe to capture lightfrom the moon at night. Typically, light pipes direct light to anotherlocation which may have little to no access to natural light. Here,however, the light may be transferred through the light pipe to aphoto-voltaic cell. Those of skill in the art shall recognize thatreflective coatings on an inside surface of the light pipe(s) may bebeneficial for maximizing the energy harvesting potential.

Referring to FIG. 22, a method 2000 of installing a sensor-mountingsystem 300 is illustrated. In this method, only the method as itpertains to the sensor-mounting device 1 is disclosed, but it isforeseen that the steps for the other embodiments of the sensor-mountingdevices 101, 201 would be similar. In step 2001, a hole 5 (FIG. 11)defining an inner surface 6 is created in the mounting structure 2. Instep 2003, the sensor-mounting device 1 is situated within the wallaperture 5. In this step, the first end 14 is inserted through theaperture 5 (e.g., by compressing the upper and lower portions 13 and 15of the body 10), such that the body 10 of the sensor-mounting device 1engages with the inner surface 6 of the mounting structure 2. The flange16 engages the back surface 4 of the mounting structure 2.

In step 2005, the pipe fitting 366 is installed through the central bore11 of the sensor-mounting device 1. In this step, the second end 395 ofthe pipe fitting 366 is inserted through the central bore 11 of thesensor-mounting device 1 until the circular plate 396 engages the stopsurface 28 of the sensor-mounting device 1. It shall be recognized thatthe end cap 394 is small enough to pass through the central bore 11. Atleast the inner portion of the sensor-mounting device 1 may be made froman elastic material, as this may allow for easier manipulation or evenwidening of the central bore 11 as the pipe fitting 366 is passedthrough.

In step 2007, at least some of the components that make up the sensor400 are installed within the pipe fitting 366. The components passthrough the central bore 391 of the coupling 392 and into the centralbore 397 of the pipe fitting 366; therefore the electronics are sizedand shaped to be elongate and small enough to fit through these bores.If at least some of the components of the sensor 400 are housed in thesensor head 362, then wiring or other electrical connecting means may beexposed until after the sensor head 362 is installed.

In step 2009, the sensor head 362 is installed on the coupling 392. Insome embodiments, the sensor head 362 may require a quarter-turnrotation to install. Electronic connecting means may fully connect andcomplete the circuit to communicate with at least some of the componentsof the sensor 400, such as the microcontroller 410, memory 414, a powersource 416, et cetera.

In step 2011, the locking ring 364 is installed on the sensor-mountingdevice 1. The locking ring 364 is sized and shaped so as to easily matewithin the recess 65 created by the projections 30, 40 and/or the recess390 mates with the projection 40 and captures the sensor head 362 andthe pipe fitting 366 within the sensor-mounting device 1.

Further steps of the method 2000 may include mudding and/or taping overthe first flange 16 of the sensor-mounting device to hide the flange 16from view. It shall be understood, however, that the flange 16 mayprovide an aesthetic. Various steps of the method 2000 may be performedout of the sequenced disclosed above.

The systems and methods described herein may be further embodied inother configurations. Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, an alternatesensor-mounting system 3000 is illustrated. The sensor-mounting system3000 includes a first sensor-mounting assembly 3001 and a secondsensor-mounting assembly 4001. Each of the sensor-mounting assemblies3001, 4001 is substantially similar to the sensor-mounting system 300,with the exception that the second end 3395 of the pipe fitting 3366ends at the first end 4393 of the second sensor-mounting assembly 4001.

The second mounting system 4001 may be fed through a first hole in themounting structure 3002 such that the first sensor-mounting system 3001may be installed into the mounting structure 3002. The second mountingsystem 4001 may then exit through a second hole in the mountingstructure 3002, as shown in FIGS. 23-25. The length of the pipe fitting3366 will determine where the second hole (and thus the secondsensor-mounting assembly 4001) should be located. The length of the pipefitting 3366 may be comprised of one pipe or several pipes coupledtogether. It shall thus be understood by those of skill in the art thatthe pipe fittings 366, 3366, etc. may be lengthened to accommodateadditional components therein (e.g., batteries, computer components,etc.).

With reference now to FIGS. 26-27, still another sensor-mounting system5000 is illustrated. The sensor-mounting system 5000 includes a sensor5400, a sensor head 5362, and a sensor-mounting device 5001. The modularsensor 5400 is substantially similar to the sensor 400 discussed above.The sensor-mounting device 5001 has a driving head 5024 and a body 5010with a first end 5393 and a second end 5395. The driving head is locatedat the first end 5393. The sensor-mounting device 5001 may be made fromone or more materials including but not limited to metal (e.g.,aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, titanium, et cetera),plastic (e.g., bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl, nylon, et cetera),rubber (synthetic or natural), or other appropriate materials.

The body 5010 is hollow, creating a recess 5397 to allow for componentsof the sensor 5400 to be housed therein. The body 5010 has an outersurface 5009 with a tip 5394 at the second end 5395. The tip 5394 isconfigured for driving into a mounting structure. On the outer surfacemay be at least one wing 5152. The wings 5152 may adjust from zerodegrees to substantially ninety degrees, or at least may be initiallysubstantially flat or flush against an outer surface 5009 of the body5010 and subsequently spread as illustrated. It may be particularlyimportant that the wings 5152 open up only once installed inside themounting structure, bracing the sensor-mounting device 5001 against aback surface of the mounting structure to hold the device securely. Tothis end, the wings 5152 may be spring loaded, such that once the wings5152 pass through the back surface of the wall, they may spring open.The body 5010 may be sufficiently long to allow the wings 5152 to catchagainst the back surface of the mounting structure. The wings 5152 areillustrated as substantially similar to each other, though the wings5152 may not be the same size or shape. In other embodiments, the outersurface 5009 of the body 5010 may include coarse threads to interactwith the mounting structure 2, either in combination with the wings 5152or in lieu of them.

The driving head 5024 may be hexagonally shaped to allow traditionalwrenches to torque the sensor-mounting device 5001 into the mountingstructure 2. The driving head 5024 may also (or instead) include acentral bore 5091 that may be used as a coupling means for the sensorhead 5362. In other embodiments, a blunt force instrument may be used todrive the sensor-mounting device 5001 into the mounting structure 2. Thebody may be driven into the mounting surface or inserted into a hole inthe mounting surface.

The sensor head 5362 is the face or cover of a sensor 5400 that connectsor mates with the coupling 5091 of the driving head 5024, and may besubstantially similar to the sensor head 362. The sensor head 5362 maybe secured to the body 5010 via methods described above regarding thesensor head 362.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-29, still yet another sensor-mounting system6000 is illustrated. The sensor-mounting system 6000 includes a sensor6400, a sensor head 6362, and a sensor-mounting device 6001. The modularsensor 6400 and the sensor head 6362 are substantially similar to thecorresponding parts, sensor 400 and sensor head 362, discussed above,except as shown and described. Here, the body 6010 has an outer surface6009 with a tip 6394 at the second end 6395 for being driving into aground 6002.

The driving head 6024 is located at the first end 6393. The driving head6024 may be hexagonally shaped to allow wrenching devices to torque thesensor-mounting device 6001 into the ground 6002. And a blunt forceinstrument may also, or alternately, be used to drive thesensor-mounting device 6001 into the ground 6002. The driving head 6024may include a central bore 6391 and may be used as a coupling means forthe sensor head 5362.

The driving head 6024 includes a coupling 6392, such as a liquid-tightcoupling on the first end 6393, and the coupling 6392 has a threadedportion 6390. The coupling 6392 further has a central bore 6391 that maybe smaller than the recess 6397 of the body 6010 of the sensor-mountingdevice 6001. The coupling 6392 is sealed by the sensor head 6362, whichis illustrated to have a female coupling portion 6363 that is sized andshaped to mate with the threaded portion 6390.

The system 6000 (and/or other embodiments described herein) may bespecifically configured for use in outdoor environments. For example, asnoted above, the coupling 6392 may be water-proof to protect thecircuitry components stored in the housing 6010. The sensors may includenodes for measuring temperature, receiving and storing energy such assolar energy. The system 6000 may be in communication with other systemsof a structure, building, or home near where the system 6000 is placedfor the purposes of providing controlled responses. For example, thesystem 6000 (via sensors) may be in communication with the HVAC systemwithin a building for controlling the temperature, humidity, etc. insidethe building based on the information from the system 6000.

Additionally, various embodiments of sensor mounting systems identicalor similar to those described herein may be adapted for other uses inaddition to those described herein. For example, one or more sensormounting systems may be configured for implementation on a roof of abuilding. Here, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variouscomponents may be designed to be waterproof and/or to dissipate heat,among other features, in order to handle the potentially harshenvironment in which the sensor may be placed. In another example, oneor more sensing mounting systems may be configured for placement inconcrete (e.g., sidewalk, roadways, etc.) The sensor mounting system maythus be configured to withstand compression and expansion of a concreteenvironment. The sensor mounting system incorporated into a concrete maybe particularly useful, in some embodiments, as a self-charging (e.g.,using solar power) light, similar to those available on the markettoday. Here, the sensor may incorporate means for receiving and storingsolar energy, as described above, as well as various lightingcapabilities for transmitting light (e.g., when the sensor determinesthat such light is desirable. Further implementations of the varioussensor mounting devices shall be understood to be within the scope ofthe invention. In still another embodiment, a sensor mounting system maybe incorporated into specific products (e.g., as a retrofit) includingbut not limited to window frames, window sashes, hollow doors, doorframes, skylights, or any other surface reasonably configured to housesuch a device.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternate embodiments will become apparent to those skilledin the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan maydevelop alternate means of implementing the aforementioned improvementswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, itwill be understood that certain features and subcombinations may be ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

1. A sensor-mounting device for use with a mounting structure having ahole, the device comprising: a tubular body having a front end, a rearend, and a through hole extending between the front and rear ends, thetubular body being sized to pass through the mounting structure hole; afront flange at the tubular body front end, a perimeter of the frontflange being larger than a perimeter of the tubular body for positioningat a front face of a mounting structure; sensor-attachment structurelocated on at least one of the tubular body and the front flange; andlocking structure extending from the tubular body for coupling thetubular body to the mounting structure, the locking structure being atleast one item from the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, andthreading.
 2. The sensor-mounting device of claim 1, wherein the tubularbody includes at least one expansion groove allowing a perimeter of thetubular body at the tubular body rear end to e selectively decreased andincreased.
 3. The sensor-mounting device of claim 1, wherein the tubularbody is generally circular in cross section.
 4. The sensor-mountingdevice of claim 1, wherein the sensor-attachment structure includesthreading.
 5. The sensor-mounting device of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the tubular body and the front flange defines a seat forreceiving a lip of a pipe coupling.
 6. The sensor-mounting device ofclaim 5, wherein the sensor-attachment structure includes threading formating with a locking ring.
 7. The sensor-mounting device of claim 5,wherein the sensor-attachment structure includes a bayonet mount formating with a locking ring.
 8. The sensor-mounting device of claim 1,further comprising a pipe coupling having forward and rearward ends, alip at the forward end, and a through hole extending between the forwardand rearward ends; and wherein at least one of the tubular body and thefront flange defines a seat configured for receiving the lip.
 9. Thesensor-mounting device of claim 8, wherein the sensor-attachmentstructure includes one of threading and a bayonet mount for mating witha locking ring.
 10. The sensor-mounting device of claim 9, wherein thepipe coupling rearward end has a coupler, and further comprising a pieceof conduit affixed to the pipe coupling rearward end by the coupler. 11.The sensor-mounting device of claim 10, wherein the pipe couplingthrough hole is not linear.
 12. The sensor-mounting device of claim 1,further comprising a sensor having at least one sensor node and atransceiver, the transceiver configured to transmit data from the sensornode over a network, the sensor being operatively coupled to thesensor-attachment structure.
 13. The sensor-mounting device of claim 12,wherein the sensor has a sensor head having a decorative end and ahollow recess formed therein.
 14. The sensor-mounting device of claim13, wherein at least one of the sensor node and the transceiver arelocated in the sensor head recess.
 15. The sensor-mounting device ofclaim 12, wherein, when the sensor is operatively coupled to thesensor-attachment structure, the sensor circuit is connected.
 16. Amethod of installing a sensor-mounting device for use with a mountingstructure, comprising positioning the sensor-mounting device within anaperture formed in the mounting structure, wherein the sensor-mountingdevice comprises: a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, and athrough hole extending between the front and rear ends, the tubular bodybeing sized to pass through the mounting structure hole; a front flangeat the tubular body front end, a perimeter of the front flange beinglarger than a perimeter of the tubular body for positioning at a frontface of a mounting structure; sensor-attachment structure located on atleast one of the tubular body and the front flange; and lockingstructure extending from the tubular body for coupling the tubular bodyto the mounting structure, the locking structure being at least one itemfrom the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb, and threading. 17.The method of claim 16, further comprising securing a pipe coupling tothe tubular body, the pipe coupling comprising respective forward andrearward ends, a through hole extending between the forward and rearwardend, and a piece of conduit affixed to the coupling rearward end. 18.The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning a sensor withinthe through hole of the pipe coupling.
 19. The method of claim 18,further comprising removably fixing a sensor head on the forward end ofthe pipe coupling, wherein the sensor head has a decorative end with ahollow recess formed therein, and a coupling end, and wherein thecoupling end mates with the forward end of the pipe coupling.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising removably securing a locking ringover the sensor head, the locking ring engaging with at least one of thesensor head and the forward end of the pipe coupling, wherein the sensorhead and the forward end are situated within a central bore defined inthe locking ring.
 21. A sensor-mounting device, the device comprising: atubular body having a front end, a rear end, and a through holeextending between the front and rear ends; a front flange at the tubularbody front end, a perimeter of the front flange being larger than aperimeter of the tubular body; sensor-attachment structure located on atleast one of the tubular body and the front flange; and lockingstructure extending from the tubular body, the locking structure beingat least one item from the group consisting of: a rear flange, a barb,and threading.
 22. The sensor-mounting device of claim 21, furthercomprising a tip for piercing a ground surface, the tubular body rearend being located between the tubular body front end and the tip.
 23. Asensor-mounting device, the device comprising: a tubular body having afirst end, a second end, and a through hole extending between the firstand second ends; respective front flanges at the tubular body first endand second end, a perimeter of the front flange being larger than aperimeter of the tubular body; sensor-attachment structure located on atleast one of the tubular body and the front flange of each of therespective first and second ends; and locking structure extending fromthe tubular body at the respective first and second ends, the lockingstructure being at least one item from the group consisting of: a rearflange, a barb, and threading; wherein the tubular body is non-linearsuch that the first and second ends are received into respectiveapertures formed in a mounting surface.